SB Nation - Cleo Lemon

Opponent History: Buffalo Bills vs Miami Dolphins

sireric — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 13:00:15 -0000

Buffalo Bills (3-7) vs Miami Dolphins (5-5)
Sunday, November 29, 2009 at 1:00 PM EST
Ralph Wilson Stadium, Orchard Park, NY

The Buffalo Bills have begun to play division opponents for the second time. The first meeting this year had the Bills heading into Miami with high hopes for the season, while the Miami Dolphins had just lost Chad Pennington for the year and were still without a win. We all know how that match-up ended.

Chad Henne, he of the too-small helmet and scrunched up forehead, leads the Dolphins into Buffalo this week. The last five meetings at the Ralph after the jump.

Sunday, October 17, 2004: Bills 20, Dolphins 13
Drew Bledsoe. Jay Fiedler. Need I say more about the suck involved in this game? Both sides got a touchdown and two field goals out of their offenses, but the difference was a Takeo Spikes pick-six. The Bills' D came to play in this game, recording five sacks along the way. Aaron Schobel (2.5), Ron Edwards (2.0) and Pat Williams (0.5) did the honors. Other than that, there isn't a whole lot to tell.

Sunday, October 9, 2005: Bills 20, Dolphins 14
The score and date looks eerily similar to the year before. This time, the Bills jumped out to a 17-0 lead on the strength of a Willis McGahee one-yard touchdown run, an Eric Moulds touchdown from Kelly Holcomb, and a Rian Lindell 24-yard field goal. Gus Frerotte led the Dolphins back by hitting Will Heller and Randy McMicheal for scores to bring the Fish back to within three points. Lindell would hit his second field goal of the day to cap the scoring and help preserve the win for Buffalo. Chris Kelsay and Ryan Denney each had a sack in this game.

Sunday, December 17, 2006: Bills 21, Dolphins 0
J.P. Losman tossed three touchdown passes, one each to Robert Royal, Josh Reed, and Lee Evans. That was more then enough scoring, as the Bills' defense shout out the Cleo Lemon/Joey Harrington lead Dolphins offense. Schobel and Kelsay proved yet again that they are only effective against the Dolphins by getting another half-sack each.

Sunday, December 9, 2007: Bills 38, Dolphins 17
The Bills jumped out to a 21-0 lead thanks to a George Wilson fumble return for a touchdown and not one but two Trent Edwards-to-Robert Royal touchdown passes. Samkon Gado put the ball in the endzone for the Dolphins twice, but those scores sandwiched a Lindell field goal and an Evans touchdown catch. Evans would catch one more to continue his dominance over the Dolphins. Both Fred Jackson and Marshawn Lynch rushed for over 100 yards in this game. Being that Cleo Lemon was at QB for the Dolphins, this was of course a good day for the Bills' D numbers-wise. Four sacks and two interceptions (one each by Donte Whitner and Terrence McGee) added to the eight fumbles by the Dolphins. Of course, the Bills were only able to recover 3 of those 8.

Notice a pattern? The first two games had the Bills playing the Dolphins almost a year apart to the day and winning by almost identical scores. The second two have the Bills winning by identical margins (21) almost a year to the day apart. The dates are also the same - 17 and 9. Weird.

Sunday, December 7, 2008: Dolphins 16, Bills 3
The Bills' first-ever regular season game played in Toronto gave the Canadian fans quite the show. The Bills had almost nothing on offense that day, gaining only 163 total yards. J.P. Losman was the Bills leading rusher with 53 yards. Of course Losman offset his rushing prowess by getting sacked 4 times...

Ravens Show Patriotism at Training Camp

Bruce Raffel — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 22:47:24 -0000

Today at the Baltimore Ravens Training Camp, it was known as 'Military Appreciation Day.' All members of the Armed Forces that wore their uniforms were given priority seating around the field and there looked to be a few hundred men and women in uniform, along with lots of proud family members as well.

Baltimore Ravens Head Coach John Harbaugh, who took a trip to Iraq and Afghanistan earlier this summer, wore his army cap in honor of the men and women who so selflessly serve the country.

It was good to see Demetrius Willimas taking part in practice with what appeared to be no limitations. On the other hand, I see both Terrell Suggs and Mark Clayton working on the other field, Suggs walking and jogging from sideline to sideline while Clayton catches passes from an assistant, testing that sore hamstring.

As th defense moves from the far field to the one close to the where most of the fans sit, Ray Lewis' arrival brings loud applause and cheers. Ed Reed is wearing a red (no contact) jersey today, but it is probably more due to taking it easy than anything else. I see a receiver with a #9 jersey without a name on it, but it turns out that it's Derrick Mason just honoring his late friend, Steve McNair.

Derrick Williams is in on a lot of the passing plays and it seems the QB's are targeting him, perhaps to make up for lost time recently. Jusitn Harper beats Ed Reed for a long TD pass. Yes, Ed Reed bit on the fake! Kelley Washington does the exact same thing to Frank Walker. D-Mase fakes Fabian Washington long then puts on the brakes for a sweet sideline reception, prompting Washington to admit, "nice route, Mason!"

FG time again, as Graham Gano takes all the reps this afternoon. He hits from 51, 55, 54 but misses from 53, 49 (hits right upright) and is just short on a 60 yard attempt. He then hits from extra point range, 40, 44 and 50 yards before badly shanking a 57 yard attempt. Finally he hit a 51 yarder on his last kick of the day. Overall, he is seven for eleven and keeps the competition too close to call between him and Steven Hauschka.

I saw Ray Lewis drinking an orange liquid out of an unmarked bottle. Asking a trainer if it was a secret recipe, he just shrugged and said it was Pedialyte, which is similar to Gatorade but known more for a kids' remedy for dehydration when they're ill.

I see the QB's on the far field by themselves, taking turns trying to hit the crossbar from the 30, 40 and then 50 yard lines. Although I missed most of their tries, the only one I saw hit it was Cleo Lemon, who nailed it from 40 yards.

Guard Chris Chester is seen limping very slowly to the locker room. After injuries to Adam Terry (gone for season) and Oniel Cousins, we can hardly lose another key ingredient to an already thin offensive line.

Look at the size of DT Kelly Greggs' calves!

As the practice ends and the team gathers around Coach Harbaugh as they usually do, they bring out all the military personnel in attendance to join in and as one, they chant "family!" together, after which the players all mill about signing autographs and taking pictures with the appreciative servicemen and women.

Ravens Training Camp: Monday AM Edition

Bruce Raffel — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 16:55:12 -0000

Well it's great to be back in sweltering Westminster, Maryland, watching our Baltimore Ravens prepare for their second pre season contest as well as the 2009 regular season, and hopefully beyond! After a week in sunny Negril, Jamaica, the return to the typical dog days of summer here in Baltimore is a huge difference. The players are sweating and probably losing lots of weight out there, and the training staff is all over the place with fluids and towels for them.

It is another "plus-30" day, meaning the players over the age of 30 have the day off again. Of course, as always, there's Matt Birk in shorts, mentoring the "kids" on his offensive line. There are a few new faces to me in camp. In addition to the signing of QB Cleo Lemon, the team has brought back previously released QB Drew Willy, giving the team five QB's in camp. Injured thrid stringer John Beck is here and is dressed and participating, so I wonder why there are so many of them? The is a new wide receiver, Bradon Godfrey (6'3", 197 lbs.), an undrafted rookie out of Utah, who played there with Ravens second round pick, Paul Kruger, albeit on the other side of the ball. Godfrey has a jersey with a number, but no name on the back yet.

In 11-on-11 drils, Troy Smith goes right for the new guy, Godfrey, but Lardarius Webb breaks up the pass. Safety Tom Zbikowski bangs Justin Harper on a crossing pattern. On the very next play, Harper beats the cornerback but drops a ball that hits him right in the hands for waht should have been an easy catch. Justin's drops on easy passes is getting to be a concern, although he seems to make the difficult catches that impress everyone. He'll need to be more consistent though, in order to move up the depth chart.

Joe Flacco throws a sweet long bomb to Kelley Washington for what appears to be a 75 yard TD reception. The offense then puts a little wrinkle into their formation with RT Michael Oher in motion over next to LT Jared Gaither. However, rather than running the ball, Flacco throws a quick hit to J. Harper with Oher rushing over to lead the blocking. Yes, Oher is as fast as they say he is!

Troy Smith his the new guy, Godfrey over the middle. Troy is taking charge out there, yelling at Godfrey for inadvertantly going in motion causing a procedure penalty, but then patiently explains the play to him afterwards.

Smith's 10 yard pass to Eron Riley is completed but then he is pancaked by safety Dawan Landry. Kelley Washington continues to impress, with a short five yard sideline catch, where he is quickly tackled by Frank Walker and Domonique Foxworth. On two successive plays, Flacco hits Washington in the numbers over the middle but Kelley bobbles and drops it and then comes right back for a completion in the same area on the next play. Washington then makes a great diving sideline grab, tiptoe-ing out of bounds for a first down. He plays to the applauding fans by posing and signaling a first down before giving the fans a smile and a "thumbs-up!"

It's field goal time now. Steven Hauschka lines up for a 35 yarder, but the fake is on and holder/punter Sam Koch hits Edgar Jones for a TD pass. Hauschka then proceeds to hit from 35 and 41 yards, but surprisingly misses from 46, 52 and 58 yards, hitting the crossbar on the last attempt. In his turn, Graham Gano splits the uprights from 35, 41, 46, 52 and 58 yards. The final kick hit the left upright and went through, but would have been good from much longer as it hit halfway up on the upright.

Troy throws compete to Bradon Godfrey on the sideline, prompting Frank Walker to yell at the ref, " you gotta call that," referring to Bradon alledgedly pushing off. WR Eron Riley goes up real high to snag a sideline pass before falling out of bounds. John Beck gets in on the action, hitting rookie TE Davon Drew over the middle behind defenders for a nice gain. Drew has a great opportunity on this team and needs to step up and make himself shine during camp, which he just has not done so far. Cleo Lemon hits Godfrey for a short gain and it seems like the QB's are noticing that he holds onto the ball real well and are making the effort to get the ball to him.

Kelley Washington again makes a reception over the middle, beating Lardarius Webb. Webb gets yelled at by the coaches, "Webb, don't let him do that!"

Smith sets up in the pocket, looks right and then calmly throws complete to his left to Ernie Wheelwright. It's comforting to see a confident backup to Flacco, if indeed he is needed to step up.

Back to 11-on-11 drills, where Haloti Ngata rushes Flacco and knocks down a pass, then getting in Joe's grill before Flacco playfully pushes him away.

Good news! T-Sizzle is on rthe sidlines in shorts and a t-shirt, but no boot on his foot and seems to be walking, at least, without any limp. In his absence as well as the other "plus-30" guys, rookie Paul Kruger is running with the first team and looking good.

Wiilis McGahee makes a nice run as the practice comes to a close. He puts his shoulder into LB Prescott Brugess who tackles him but afterwards is laying on the sidelines favoring his wrapped left thigh. He gets up and seems to be be fine, though.

Bringing a veteran QB into camp

shake n bake — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 16:02:34 -0000

Last year with Peyton Manning on the PUP the Colts brought in a pair of veteran backups, Quinn Gray and Jared Lorenzen. Now with Jim Sorgi out 2-3 weeks they may bring an experienced QB in again. There are still a few Quarterbacks with NFL experience remaining unsigned.

Free Agents

UFL (I don't know if there is an arrangement for the NFL-UFL on the poaching of their talent, but it's unlikely any of these guys will give up a starting UFL job for a few weeks in an NFL camp).

Brooks Bollinger (Orlando)

Quinn Gray (New York)

J.P. Losman (Las Vegas)

Jump for more info on the vets

Gus Frerotte (FA) last seen replacing a struggling Tarvaris Jackson and starting 11 games for the Vikings before a back injury took him out of the lineup. He completed 59.1% of his passes for 2,157 yards, 12TDs with 15 INTs for a QB Rating of 73.7 and ANY/A of 4.3.

Drew Henson (FA) most notable for sharing time with Tom Brady in college. Henson both thrown an NFL touchdown and has a major league hit. The downside being that he's thrown just 20 NFL passes (only 2 over the last 4 seasons) and had only 9 MLB at bats.

Craig Nall (FA) the long-time backup has the impressive statistic of more years in the league (9), than games played (7). He has played well in his few appearances holding a career QB rating of 123.8 over 48 attempts.

Marques Tuiasosopo (FA) A second round pick of the Raiders, Tuiasosopo has played just 13 games (2 starts) in 8 seasons, and hasn't posted a season with less INTs than TDs or a QB rating over 51 since his (4 attempt) rookie year. Awesome name though.

Cleo Lemon (FA) Lemon started half a season in Miami in 2007 playing well enough for an ill advised 3 year, 9 million dollar contract from the Jags, who cut him after just one year.

Brooks Bollinger (Orlando) Bollinger has played a handful of games as a backup since a mediocre half-season starting for the Jets with 56.4% completion, 1,558 yards, 7TDs, and 6INTs for a rating of 72.9 and 4.1 ANY/A

Quinn Gray (New York) We all saw Gray last year, through the first 3 preseason games he looked like the best QB of the 3 headed backup committee. Over the last two he threw 4 INTs to 1 TD and completed under 40% of his passes. He eventually caught on with the Cheifs where he had 8 very good pass attempts.

J.P. Losman (Las Vegas) The 2004 1st rounder couldn't stay healthy and regressed as a passer after a pretty good 2006 season. With Trent Edwards emerging as a viable starter and outplaying Losman, J.P. was given the boot.

Very slim pickings, Where for art thou Josh Betts? (actually he is available)

Camp Battle 2009: Quarterbacks (and a comment on Michael Vick)

Jonathan Loesche — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 20:25:05 -0000

More photos » by Nick Wass - AP

Todd Bouman is currently the Jaguars back up quarterback. If Garrard goes down, can he be counted on to lead the Jaguars or should the team look to bring in another arm for camp?

Browse more photos »

It wouldn't be the post-Mark Brunell Jaguars if questions about the quarterback position weren't being asked heading into training camp. The 2009 Jaguars have to answer them in bunches this year. Is David Garrard a one hit wonder? Can Todd Bouman be asked to do more than hand off to MJD in the event Garrard gets hurt? Will either Paul Smith or Todd Boeckman be more than practice squad caliber? Should the Jaguars bring in Michael Vick?

All of these questions need to be answered at some point, and their answers may well have the biggest impact on the Jaguars not only this season, but down the line as well.

David Garrard

Were David Garrard's 4th down heroics in Pittsburgh simply the final note of his one hit wonder season?

I'll spare recapping 2007 and 2008; what we want to know is can Garrard lead this team back to the playoffs. The common complaint about Garrard was that he regressed in 2008 compared to 2007. What do the numbers say?

	Yards Per Game	Completions Per Game	Quarterback Rating	Interceptions
2007	209	17	102.4	4
2008	226	21	81.7	13

While Garrard's completions and yards went up, his QB rating took a huge hit. This can be explained because of the Jaguars lack of a running threat compared to last year. Garrard had to be a one man show in 2008, and he did an admirable job considering the receivers he was throwing to.In addition, Garrard was the most hit QB in the league last year. A product of the Jaguars O-line and having to throw constantly from behind, that is never a good indicator. Overall though, I don't think Garrard's 2008 was as bad as others are making it out to be.

Heading into 2009, Garrard has to have a career year for all of the right reasons. Early reports are the Garrard is already making Torry Holt is "Go to" guy for 2009. If he can get in a groove with Holt and get some protection, he'll have a good year regardless.

BCC 2009 Projections
Yards: 3,400
Touchdowns: 19

Interceptions:9

QB Rating:91.4

Todd Bouman

Bouman should have been the Jaguars back up quarterback last year. However, thanks to a Shack Harris special, he was cut in favor of high priced Cleo Lemon. What does Bouman bring to the table? Not much on paper. Bouman only has six starts in his career and hasn't done anything to instill any confidence he can be effective for a 2-3 game stretch. If nothing else, Bouman represents a known commodity that will entrench him at the #2 quarterback.

Todd Boeckman

An Ohio State product who lost his starting job to mega-recruit Terrell Pryor, Boeckman wasn't much more than a "Game Manager" at the college level. He'll provide another arm in camp and probably not much more. He'll be competiting with Paul Smith for a practice squad spot.

Paul Smith

A BCC favorite, Smith spent almost the entire season on the Jaguars practice squad. Smith was activated for the final game against Baltimore. Smith's knowledge of the system, and frankly, better skills than Boeckman should get him another round on the practice squad, if not a chance to get on the active roster.

The question of Michael Vick

When Michael Vick was reinstated by Commissioner Roger Goodell, the can of worms that opened on the possible teams that Vick would end up playing for. The Jaguars, despite the record of Clean Gene, have been mentioned as a likely landing spot.

As it's illegal to mention Michael Vick and not say something as to his crime, here is my position. He committed a heinous act and murdered living beings for nothing better than blood sport. That being said, I believe Vick has served his punishment and is now due for a chance at redemption.

Should the Jaguars try to sign Vick? He would bring the Jaguars immense publicity, both good and bad. However, he has had issues prior to the dog fighting charges, such as flipping off the fans following the game. It seems his time in jail has humbled Vick, and I'm sure he'll be hungry to prove he's worth more than the slightly more than minimum deal he will sign.

Do I think the Jaguars will sign him? No. Would I welcome and support the Jaguars signing Vick? Absolutely.

The State of the Position

Let's hope David Garrard doesn't get hurt this season. If Garrard goes down, or proves that he was a one hit wonder, then the Jaguars hopes of a successful season go down with him. While Bouman showed he could come in to relieve Garrard for a short period, I'm not convinced he could come in and lead the Jaguars in a 3 game stretch like Quinn Gray did in 2007.

Boeckman and Smith will fight over the third QB spot, and hopefully in their competition, one can distinguish them self enough to be put on the 53 man roster. Either way, at a minimum, expect a good deal of attention to free agent or rookie quarterbacks by the Jaguars next off season.

-Jonathan

Poll

On a scale of 1-10 (10 being the QB position needs no improvement, 1 being the Jaguars might as well start a back up Arena League QB) how would you rate the Jaguars QB position going into camp?

10

10 votes

9

17 votes

8

72 votes

7

144 votes

6

78 votes

5

72 votes

4

35 votes

3

30 votes

2

11 votes

1

27 votes

496 votes | Poll has closed

Lions Sign Will James and Lydon Murtha, Release Three

Sean Yuille — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 22:47:16 -0000

As preparation for training camp continues, the Lions made quite a few changes to their roster today, headlined by the signing of free agent cornerback William James. The Lions also confirmed that they have signed draft picks DeAndre Levy and Lydon Murtha. To make room on the roster for the three players, running back Antone Smith, defensive end Rudolph Hardie, and safety Tra Battle were released.

Will James, who actually played for the University of Michigan for two years (then as Will Peterson), was a member of the Jaguars, so I'm guessing James Harris is behind this move. Jacksonville released James in June, and the Lions brought him in for a workout yesterday. 24 hours or so later, he became a Lion.

James is entering his ninth season in the NFL, and the Lions are his fifth team. He started out as a New York Giant in 2001 and joined the Eagles in 2006. James spent only two seasons in Philadelphia, as he became a Bill during the offseason a year ago. After being released during the final round of roster cuts, he joined the Jaguars, where he played in 8 games. On average, he has only played in around 9.5 games a season. That is mainly due to him playing in only 10 games combined in 2003, 2005, and 2006, but the last two years he has played in 22 total games.

On top of signing James, the two draft picks, and releasing three players, the Lions also brought in quarterbacks Cleo Lemon, Brooks Bollinger, and Craig Nall for a workout. Before training camp begins, the Lions obviously want to make sure that there isn't a free agent backup QB they have missed out on. I expect them to stick with Drew Stanton as the third-string QB, but the Lions may very well see a need to add a player to the competition.

The All-AFC South Roster

shake n bake — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 23:24:40 -0000

With the division "bloggers" over at ESPN.com digging into their bag of gimmicks, listing top 10 "building blocks" (players you'd choose if your goal was to contend for a title over the next 3 years) I set out to expand on their concept. Building an All-AFC South cast of starters, and now a 45 man gameday-roster that fits under the cap (with room to spare for the inactives).

QB: Still gotta have Peyton Manning (14mil), he's expensive, but the best QB in the league is worth it. On the principal that it's better to go out with a bang than a whimper my backup is the newly signed Rex Grossman (620k) In a league where Jim Sorgi, Cleo Lemon and Dan Orlosky make 1.3, 2.8 and 3.1 million a year, respectively, a QB who has had even short term success as a starter is a great deal for the league minimum.

RB: I chose MJD for the All-AFC South starters, but his new contract extension makes him 3 times more expensive than Chris Johnson or Joseph Addai, and the price of 5 Steve Slatons. MJD isn't THAT much better than the other 3, not by a longshot. So with MJD out in a cost cutting move, I'll pass up my former draft crush and the back I've fiercely defended for the last year, for Steve Slaton (552K). Slaton is the cheapest, was a better receiver than Johnson and weathered a workload that broke Addai down in 2007. The main hole is Slaton's game is as a pass blocker. Where could we find a tandem partner who can pass block? Joseph Addai (1.67mil), and I've got the cash, so let's grab all 3 starting backs still on their rookie deals, Chris Johnson (1.79mil)

WR: I was able to save on the backs, but there isn't cheap talent near the levels of Andre Johnson (7.2mil) and Reggie Wayne (6.96mil), Anthony Gonzalez is a great 3rd WR for relatively little (1.31mil), Kevin Walter (2mil) averaged 15 yards a catch while catchin 63% of his targets last year, both solidly above average.

TE: I'm all about the passing offense, meaning I'll lay down the nearly 10million for the two best TEs in the division. Dallas Clark (6.77mil), and Owen Daniels (2.79mil), A blocking TE and possible FB Gijon Robinson at the league minimum (385K) to fill out the TEs.

LT: 5.88mil isn't much to pay for my first choice of left tackles, Michael Roos. To backup I'll take a project tackle for 1.6mil, Duane Brown.

LG: My first choice of left guards comes pretty cheap at 1.2 million, Eugene Amano. Backing up will be a solid guard who can swing outside, Charlie Johnson (556K).

C: Jeff Saturday's new deal costs just 3.98mil this year. 396k for Jamey Richard, the only other center Peyton's taken real game snaps from in years.

RG: Jake Scott 4.5mil, I didn't really want to spend at guard but the cheaper options are either coming off major injuries or aren't proven. To get guard value out of this pool laying out the cash for Scott is the surest way. I'll back him up with a 16 game starter at guard last year for a vet minimum deal Mike Brisiel (460K).

RT: All four AFC South starting right tackles cost between 4 and 6 million, so I'm making a position change, Tony Ugoh (941K). Ugoh is a powerful run blocker, who would now have much less pressure on him in pass pro.

DEs: Pass Pressure is VITAL and Mario Williams comes remarkably cheap this year at 2.65million allowing for splurging on Dwight Freeney (11.2mil), and Robert Mathis (6.86mil), Dave Ball (620K) is a cheap combo of size and pass rushing ability.

DTs: A 3 man team of undersized pass rushing DTs comes pretty cheap. Tony Brown (1.4mil), Eric Foster (385k), Jason Jones (761K) For some size and massive upside I'll take Amobi Okoye to rebound for (3.12mil), and round out the DTs with Antonio Johnson for some safe league minimum (385k) beef.

LBs: Can't run a Tampa-2 without a top cover MLB, Gary Brackett (3.08mil), DeMeco Ryans is more than worth the 1.4mil price tag to slide to the strongside, on the weakside Clint Session comes dirt cheap at 552K, Xavier Adibi (498K) was a favorite prospect of mine and is working his way into the Texans lineup as a cover LB, I'll round out the LBs with some size and run D from Phillip Wheeler (546K) and Zach Diles (474K)

CB: Cortland Finnegan is an easy choice for just 3.65mil, Kelvin Hayden at 6.68mil is fine for a young talented corner. Marlin Jackson will hold down the slot for 2.76mil. For a backup Fred Bennett has great upside for only 460K

FS: Antoine Bethea or Michael Griffin? Bethea or Griffin? How about both since Bethea comes cheap (552K), Griffin isn't too expensive for a Pro Bowl safety (2.2mil) and both have played as nickel corners.

SS: Gotta have Bob. Sanders costs 6.13mil, but is an All Pro lock and DPOY threat when he makes it through a season healthy. I'll back him up with a starting caliber safety and dynamite special teamer making the slightest bit above the veteran minimum (462K) Melvin Bullitt

K: Kris Brown has nearly the leg of Bironas (my choice when money was no object), and makes half as much (1.35mil)

P: 1.25mil for Matt Turk isn't too much ... I guess.

RET: T.J. Rushing (535K) with Chris Carr out of the division, André Davis' price tag over 4 million and the Jags return games more than a TD below average with Brian Witherspoon having taken over returning from MJD, T.J. is the best bet, even with last year a lost season due to a knee injury.

Total Cap Cost: 124mil (09 cap is 128)

Thanks to Tim at BattleRedBlog for tips on a few cheap useful Texans.

Quick Bytes: June 17th, 2009

Jonathan Loesche — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 17:07:53 -0000

Fantasy Q&A: Koetter excited about his Jags - NFL Fantasy Q&A: Koetter excited about his Jags : FantasyNews.CBSSports.com
Interview with Jaguar's offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter. Hopefully he brings the offense back to their late 2007 form.

Lewis reaches out to new generation - Press-Telegram
Great story on Marcedes Lewis' activites in his home town of Long Beach, CA. He seems like a class act.

Jones-Drew is already making plays for his post-NFL future | Jacksonville.com
Maurice Jones-Drew will be around the league for a very long time. He will be attending the NFL's "Broadcast Bootcamp." Kudos to him for thinking ahead, and as long as he doesn't pull a Tiki Barber, I look forward to seeing him on some Pre-Game show.

Big find from small school? Jaguars like RB Rashad Jennings' potential | Jacksonville.com
Rashad Jennings heard 249 names called before his on draft day. However, he is giving his all in OTAs.

jaguars.com | News | Jaguars news | Jags make four roster moves
Backup QB Cleo Lemon, lineman Drew Miller, corner Weldon Brown, and sadly BCC favorite Mkristo Bruce were cut.

jaguars.com | News | Jaguars news | Ingram healthy and hungry
A good look at Clint Ingram as he heads into a contract year.

Manuwai in shape, back on field for Jaguars | Jacksonville.com
Vince Maunwai has returned to the practice fields! This is huge for the Jaguars as a healthy Manuwai may be their best lineman right now.

Cowboy Stew

Jim Vance — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 16:00:09 -0000

Sometimes I have something interesting to say about the Cowboys but there isn't really enough there to write a front page post on. Other than being related in some way to the Cowboys there is also no cogent way to link these stories together. So, what do I do with these fascinating Cowboy tidbits? Just throw them away? No, you can't be wasteful in these times so why not put them all in a pot and make a big Cowboy Stew of unrelated opinions, comments and observations?

That's what I'm serving up here, no interesting analysis, no insights into the draft, nothing fancy - just a big steaming bowl of spicy thoughts and opinions that I have bouncing around in my head - that I have to let out so new ones can come in.

Pull up a chair and let me know what you think of my Cowboy Stew.

The Pantheon of Great Football Names-

You know there are some names that just sound like great football names. Dick Butkus, Boss Bailey, Takeo Spikes and several others. They are the kind of names that command respect and maybe even a little fear. Look, I admit that if you play football you have to be a tough guy, but some people just have that added extra advantage of having a great name that fits their tough vocation. On the other hand you have - Beanie Wells? Ashley Lelie? Cleo Lemon? My latest nominee into the PGFN is Igor Olshansky, a new member of the Cowboys. Anybody named Igor deserves automatic consideration.

Roy Williams the Safety -

Current stories hint that Roy is close to signing on with another team that plays a 4-3 but he's been available for quite a while. I wish him well. I was thinking about what went wrong with Roy - declining skills, age, lost the killer instinct, injury? His problem is his lack of cover skills, that's how he got tagged with the moniker - ‘Thong'. A thong doesn't cover anything and neither does Roy. The problem is he had that weakness when he was drafted in the first round but he was a devastating hitter and that seemed to be enough at the time. His coverage problems have now been exploited by almost every offensive coordinator in the league. Let this be a cautionary tale for the draft - don't fall in love with and draft a one dimensional player, regardless of how good he might be at that skill. Remember - Two thongs don't make a right!

Chris Canty -

I hate to say it but you know he is probably going to have a banner year next year in New York. Doesn't it always work out that way? Your ex- girlfriend always seems to look better after she becomes your ex! Canty will be joining an already stellar D-line and he will benefit from the attention the other Giants players will draw. He was an adequate player here but the pundits will make his success in New York seem as though he was held back by the ‘circus atmosphere' in Dallas.

Should the Head Coach Fly First Class? -

A local DFW sports radio show reported an interesting pre-combine story about Mike Singletary connecting in DFW airport for his flight to Indy for the NFL Combine and meeting up in the terminal with Norv Turner waiting for the same flight. First Class is called and those two take their seats and order something to drink. While they are talking in their first class seats they look up to see Wade Philips and Jason Garrett walking past with their eyes down, headed to their seats in coach. The radio jocks were hooting about how embarrassing it had to be for those the Cowboys staff as well as for those who watched them walk by. To me, it seemed appropriate for a coach to be sitting in - coach!

The Player -

Will T.O. thrive in Buffalo? On the plus side, he will be motivated to prove his value. A motivated Terrell Owens is a real offensive threat. He will have a supporting cast in Lee Evans, Marshawn Lynch (hopefully), Trent Edwards and the Buffalo fans are going to love having him there. His challenge will be the weather and facing some decent defensive backs in that conference. Shawn Springs will see him twice now that he's with the Pats and Springs played well against T.O. this past season. The Jets Darrelle Revis will certainly be looking forward to playing T.O. twice a year as well. During the 2008 draft, Revis was interviewed and said he was only beaten twice for touchdowns in his rookie season - once by Braylon Edwards and once by Terrell Owens because of their size advantage on fade routes.

A Gunner on Special Teams? -

Gerald Sensabaugh? Just kidding. Let's give the guy a chance. He has the NFL combine record for vertical jump (46"). He's been active in his community, supports the Boys & Girls Club and reads to those kids, he visits the local children's hospital, he supports the local military as well as the charity causes of his teammates. He had permits for those guns which were found in his Bentley and the arrest was because he had a suspended drivers license. I don't think Goodell will have much to say about that episode. Let's give the guy a chance to be a good player on the field and a good citizen off the field- as he has shown himself to be.

Jessica Simpson's Weight Gain -

Joe Simpson blames Romo for Jessica's Weight Gain - He says it's because Jess is ... Whoa - what am I doing?

Bobby Carpenter -

A make or break year? It's already broken for me and here's why.

I am a Buckeye by birth and a fan of THE Ohio State University football teams. I was excited when Carp was drafted and I expected big things from him. He played alongside A.J. Hawk and they made a strong tandem. He has been a big disappointment in terms of breaking into the starting lineup and has simply not been worth the first round pick. I guess I'm taking it personally since I'm a Buckeye and was endorsing the pick from the get go. My theory of why Tuna took Carpenter with that first round pick goes back to Bobby's dad having been a Parcells' player on the Giants championship team.

Carpenter has been rumored to be the 'rodent' in the locker room who was at the core of the T.O. schism. If this is true how does he repair relations with his mates?

Bill Parcells has not been bashful about raiding the Cowboys' cupboard of coaches and players but as far as I know he hasn't made any moves for Bobby Carpenter. Why? Does he (Parcells) realize that this was a bad pick or is he waiting until the Cowboys unload him at a bargain basement price? It makes me think that either way Parcells must know the Cowboys paid way too much. A Bobby Carpenter Pro Bowl year would make me bow down and apologize for feeling this way - but you have to get on the field to have a great year.

The Pot is Empty Now-

OK, that's the end of the Cowboy Stew. Do you have any nominees for the Pantheon of Great Football Names? Any thoughts on Canty, Thong, Sensabaugh or the concept of a post like the Cowboy Stew?